On Monday morning I had the pleasure of receiving a root canal. After way too many tools being shoved in my mouth, a numb face, pent up anger from the ridiculously high bill and dry and cracking lips (as always happens when one stretches their mouth as wide as possible for an hour and a half), I was in need of some relief. While some may turn to a slurpee, their moms or even a nap for comfort, I turned to the place that is guaranteed to ease pain, sorrow and boredom. Ross. Beautiful, wonderful (often medicinal) discount shopping. I am a Ross addict. The neon orange tags indicating reduced prices and shelves of discounted clothes, shoes, gloves, hats, purses, home decorating items and random junk bring joy and peace into a troubled heart. Perfection in frugality cannot always be expected and "recreational shopping" at Ross is certainly my weakness. When I'm bored or need something to keep my mind off school or work, a little trip to Ross does the trick. And although I usually go just to peruse the discount items, it is almost inevitable that I will come home with my wallet a little lighter and some great "undeniable" deal. The cheap stuff is the shiny bait, and I am the dumb little guppy. I can't say no to a $20 pair of Asics (suggested retail: $65) or a $7 skirt (suggested retail: $30), both recent Ross purchases. I didn't need a new skirt or a pair of shoes, but how could I leave them on the shelves with such a tempting price tag? So, unfortunately, for me the only cure for recreational shopping is simply not going. Until I learn more self control and am able to better distinguish needs and wants, it will have to be strict abstinence from recreational shopping when I don't want to spend any money.

So when does shopping become recreational and why is it enjoyable? For me, I like seeing the latest and greatest seasonal fashions and designs and sifting through the designer bags and jackets and jeans at what seems like ridiculously reduced prices. For many, stores like Ross and TJMaxx are stressful. The rows and rows of unorganized merchandise are obnoxious but, for me, walking into a discount store is as exciting as trying to find a diamond in a pile of rocks. The digging can be tedious but after a little bit of work, you almost always find a treasure that is most wonderful and quite fun to brag about to your friends (like the dress I bought this summer for $10).

But what about for the guys? Surely most men are not tantalized by a steal of a deal on dress shoes or a nice half-zip sweater, but they can't be completely free of the leisure shopping bug. Then a small store came to mind ... Okay, a monstrosity of a store – Cabela's. This is not the place for a quick stop to pick up the necessities – it is an outdoor enthusiast's heaven. Cablela's has turned a simple shopping experience into a tourist attraction. You could fill an entire day by perusing the entire store of hunting, fishing and outdoor merchandise, taking a lunch break at the store restaurant and examining the taxidermy displays and fish tanks. Want to extend your stay?Cabela's Web site even provides information about local lodging to make it a multiday event. Talk about recreational shopping and needs vs. wants. One can't help but buy a little bit too much when items are displayed like pieces of a grand museum.

My conclusion after pondering recreational shopping? Simply be careful. Unless you are prepared for the consequences (a drained wallet), steer clear of using shopping as a way to fill time or relieve stress. But, when I can spare a few bucks, Ross will continue to be a wonderful recreational option for a free afternoon.

Bargain of the Week: Free pizza Thursday in the TSC Auditorium at noon if you attend a brief information session about the Student Health and Wellness Center. See you there!

Each week I'll be sharing a tip or bargain of the week- ways to save money or make the most out of it. Got an idea or heard about a discount? Please comment below or send me an e-mail.

Karlie Brand is a junior in public relations. "Watching Your Wallet" will appear online each Wednesday. Questions or comments can be sent to karlie.brand@aggiemail.usu.edu

-karlie.brand@aggiemail.usu.edu